Atlee calls Shah Rukh Khan his mentor and biggest inspiration on 61st birthday

Picture Credit: X

‘Jawan’ director Atlee wished Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on his 61st birthday and shared a heartfelt message on social media. The filmmaker thanked the actor for being his mentor and inspiration while showing excitement about SRK’s upcoming film ‘King’.Taking to his X handle, Atlee praised Shah Rukh Khan’s latest song, 'Tu Mil Jaaye', and said he was looking forward to watching the actor on the big screen again.

Atlee wishes Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday

“Happy, happy, happy Birthday King Khan, SRK sir! The song 'Tu Mil Jaaye' is lovely. Can't wait to see you on a big screen sir, looking forward for 'KING'. Thank you for being my mentor, my guide, my well-wisher and my biggest inspiration in this incredible journey. The time spent with you has taught me so much — not just about cinema, but about life, people and staying truly humble.

Grateful, always. Atlee”, he wrote.

Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee’s ‘Jawan’

Atlee made his Bollywood directorial debut with ‘Jawan’, which also marked his first collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. The 2023 action thriller combined Atlee’s signature mass-action style is a story centred on justice and social issues. SRK played dual roles as father Vikram Rathore and son Azad. Azad leads a group of women on a vigilante mission, while his father’s past unfolds through flashbacks.

The film also marked Nayanthara’s Hindi debut, with Vijay Sethupathi playing the antagonist. Deepika Padukone appeared in an extended cameo, and the supporting cast included Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra and Sunil Grover. Anirudh Ravichander composed the music, making his Hindi film debut with the project. They went on to mint over Rs. 1,160 crore worldwide.

Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee’s upcoming films

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in ‘King’, directed by

Siddharth Anand

. The film is special for the actor as it marks his first theatrical collaboration with his daughter,

Suhana Khan

, who will make her theatrical debut with the project. The film also features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat and Raghav Juyal in important roles.‘King’ is scheduled to release in theatres on December 24, 2026, during the Christmas holiday period. The film will arrive shortly after Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled to release on December 18, 2026.Meanwhile, Atlee is working on his next major project, ‘Raaka’, a science-fiction action thriller starring Allu Arjun.